If we fast for more than one thing does it diminish the help we might receive?

Question

If a person fasts for more than one concern at the same time, does it dilute or diminish the power or help that could be available were we to fast for any one of those concerns individually?

Robert

Answer

Hi Robert,

I suspect the problem here is one of viewpoint. The fast is not a magical rite that invokes a quantity of blessings on the object of the fast, with the consequence that those blessings might be diluted if spread too thin. We are not trying to bribe God or secure his divine favor through His appreciation of our performance of a fast.

The fast (and the prayer that should always accompany it) is a blessing that God has given to us. It is completely for our own benefit. The fast is designed to increase and deepen our own spiritual sensitivity, allowing us more intimate communication with God. In that state, we can more easily determine God’s will and understand how our own actions might affect the course of events. We become more sensitive to impressions and ideas that can help us and those we love.

So why not just fast for everything at once, all the problems in our lives and in the world? Because that is not how our minds and our spirits work. We normally confront our challenges individually and deal with things one by one. Eveything at once is simply too big an elephant to eat in one bite. But as we consider individual challenges and obstacles, fasting can help us understand how to proceed, or at times give us the strength to carry on despite the challenges.

I don’t see how fasting for more than one thing is problematic if you are sincere. God knows all your needs before you ask Him, but whether He chooses to help or not more than likely has to do with what is going to help you grow spiritually. Pour out your soul and be willing to do the hard things and I am sure the blessings you desire will come with time and patience so long as they are aligned with God’s will. Maybe not today, tomorrow, or the next, but if you pray in the Spirit, be assured God will hear you, and you will know it, too.

Deborah Crow

This is a question I’ve always had so I am glad Robert asked. I cannot traditionally Fast, I have a number of health issues. I do Fast in other ways though and, because of my ADHD I don’t always remember the cause or purpose originally attached to my Fast and I sometimes add things to the Fast and during prayer while on my Fast. I think the Fast is what is important, the purpose we attach to it is left to us. I believe Heavenly Father knows what the desires of our hearts are whether we can voice this or not; He blesses us with the purpose’s result when it’s His Will to do so and when it’s for our benefit. Doesn’t negate our responsibility to Fast when He doesn’t choose to bless us with the positive result for the purpose we attached to our Fast. We still benefit from the closeness we get from the Spirit and to Heavenly Father. The success or the positive result regarding the purpose is only the icing on the cake.

Backroads

I recall those times when everything is going wrong and I begin the fast trying to fix everything before wondering, like Robert, if it’s too much. I’ve been prompted to forget about everything and just fast.

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